CHARLOTTE—Even though DeAngelo Williams wasn’t traded Thursday at the deadline, the team should part ways with him in the offseason.

The Panthers have invested $43 million, including $21 million in guaranteed money, for a running back who is averaging fewer than nine carries a game. The Panthers would have taken an accelerated $9.6 million cap next year hit if Williams was traded today, but that would be offset by his $4.75 million salary for 2013.

Doesn’t matter. It's time.

Ron Rivera's coaching staff, which has to win now to save their jobs, already has moved on. They demoted Williams two weeks ago in favor of Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers' other highly paid back.

With the Panthers shift from a zone read to a more traditional (read: between the tackles) rushing attack, the need for Williams' skill set of speed on the edge has been diminished. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski didn't completely ignore Williams last week against the Bears, lining him up in the Wildcat and giving him 11 carries.

Williams—in a somewhat subtle jab at Rivera, Chudzinski, et al.—told reporters that he got more touches as a backup than he did as a starter.

But unless the new general manager hires a coach who sees value in keeping both backs, the Panthers should cut their losses and break up the “Double Trouble” tandem.